As much as we love a bowl of hot oatmeal and farina, it's time to think of other grains.A cooler bet is a bowl of rice or corn puffs with chilled milk. Add some blueberries or strawberries to give it a healthy vibe. Another idea is chilled melon. Cube watermelon and cantaloupe along with chunks of casaba melon for a refreshing, low calorie starter. Another low calorie breakfast, is a chilled parfait. Layer various fruits, such as pineapple and blueberries with Greek yogurt and granola for the perfect beginning on a sweltering August day.Freeze it and you have a breakfast Popsicle, every kids' dream breakfast. Instead of spooning the layers in a parfait dish, layer them in Popsicle molds. Freeze overnight. Remember these also make great desserts and snacks for them and for the adults too. What to drink with these frosty starters? Iced coffees and teas. There are many cold brew options for both drinks in your supermarket to choose from. Smoothies and fruit slushies are other cool options that go well with breakfast.
Lunch and dinner can also be chill creations. The easiest is a sandwich, of course, Make it different by trying a pan bagnat a Provencale treat loaded with all sorts of good fillings.Use a long , baguette , slice in half and then layer on sliced cucumbers, onions,kalamata olives and hard boiled eggs. Cheese and tuna canned in oil can also be added.This also makes a great weekend supper, enjoyed with a chilled glass of wine.Salads are one of those easy summer meals. One of my new favorites is a chickpea one, loaded with not only those garbanzo beans (save the liquid for baking) but chopped peppers, onions and parsley. For color and more taste I add grape tomatoes and then dress it with a simple vinaigrette. Make it three or four hours before serving for a cool, flavorful bite. You don't have to use chickpeas as the protein. Leftover chicken, grilled steak, and even tuna can be subbed in. Any leftover meat can be paired with a veggie for a tasty and substantial cool dinner. Try grilled steak and tomatoes, or minced ham with broccoli and onions. A more sophisticated take is vichyssoise , the French leek and potato soup, first cooked and then cooled. There is also gazpacho,a garlicky vegetable potage that's not even heated. It's made cold and served cold. Perfect with crusty Spanish rolls and butter.
It's August. It's hotter than an oven full of biscuits. Cool off with refreshingly cold dishes and drinks. It's the best way of dealing with a heat wave.
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